System and method for determining smartphone location

ABSTRACT

A device is provided for use with a database having stored therein, a plurality of signatures corresponding to a plurality of fields, respectively, wherein the plurality of fields correspond to a plurality of locations, respectively. The device includes an accessing component, a field-detecting component, a comparing component and an identifying component. The accessing component can access one of the plurality of signatures from the database. The field-detecting component can detect a first field based on a first location and can generate a detected field signature based on the detected first field. The comparing component can generate a comparison signal based on a comparison of the detected field signature and one of the plurality of signatures. The identifying component can identify the first location based on the comparison signal.

The present application claims priority from: U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 61/740,814 filed Dec. 21, 2012; U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 61/740,831 filed Dec. 21, 2012; U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 61/740,851 filed Dec. 21, 2012; and U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 61/745,677 filed Dec. 24, 2012, the entire disclosuresof which are incorporated herein by reference. The present applicationis a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/072,231 filedNov. 5, 2013, is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No.14/095,156 filed Dec. 3, 2013, and is a continuation-in-part of U.S.application Ser. No. 14/105,744 filed Dec. 13, 2013, the entiredisclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Vehicle telematics is the technology of sending, receiving and storinginformation to and from vehicles and is generally present (at least to alimited extent) in the automotive marketplace today. For example, bothGeneral Motors (through their OnStar offering) and Mercedes Benz(through their Tele-Aide and more recent mbrace system offering) havelong offered connected-vehicle functionality to their customers. Both ofthese offerings make use of the data available on a vehicle's CAN bus,which is specified in the OBD-II vehicle diagnostics standard. Forexample, the deployment of an airbag, which suggests that the vehiclehas been involved in a crash, may be detected by monitoring the CAN bus.In this event, a digital wireless telephony module that is embedded inthe vehicle and connected to the vehicle's audio system (i.e., havingvoice connectivity) can initiate a phone call to a telematics serviceprovider (TSP) to “report” the crash. Vehicle location may also beprovided to the TSP using the vehicles GPS functionality. Once the callis established, the TSP representative may attempt to communication withthe vehicle driver, using the vehicle's audio system, to assess theseverity of the situation. Assistance may thus be dispatched by the TSPrepresentative to the vehicle as appropriate.

Historically, these services were focused entirely on driver andpassenger safety. These types of services have expanded since theirinitial roll-out, however, and now offer additional features to thedriver, such as concierge services. The services, however, remain mainlyfocused on voice based driver to call center communication. With dataservices being only slowly introduced, hindered by low bandwidthcommunication modules, high cost and only partial availability on somemodel lines.

As a result, while generally functional, vehicle telematics serviceshave experienced only limited commercial acceptance in the marketplace.There are several reasons for this. In addition to low speed andbandwidth, most vehicle drivers (perhaps excluding the premiumautomotive market niche) are reluctant to pay extra for vehicletelematics services, either in the form of an upfront payment (i.e.,more expensive vehicle) or a recurring (monthly/yearly) service see.Moreover, from the vehicle manufacturer's perspective, the servicesrequire additional hardware to be embedded into the vehicle, resultingin extra costs on the order of $250 to $350 or more per vehicle whichcannot be recouped. Thus, manufacturers have been slow to fully committo or invest in the provision of vehicle telematics equipment in allvehicles.

There have been rudimentary attempts in the past to determine when asmartphone is in a moving vehicle. Wireless service provider AT&T,Sprint and Verizon, for example, offer a smartphone application thatreacts in a specific manner to incoming text messages and voice callswhen a phone is in what AT&T calls DriveMode™. With the AT&T DriveModeapplication, a wireless telephone is considered to be in “drive mode”when one of two conditions are met. First, the smartphone operator canmanually turn on the application, i.e., she “tells” the application toenter drive mode. Alternatively, when the DriveMode application is inautomatic on/off mode and the smartphone GPS sensor senses that thesmartphone is travelling at a greater than 25 miles per hour, the GPSsensor so informs the DriveMode application, the DriveMode applicationconcludes that the smartphone is in a moving vehicle, and drive mode isentered.

Both of these paths to engaging the AT&T DriveMode application—the“manual” approach to entering drive mode and the “automatic” approach toentering drive mode—are problematic. First, if the smartphone operatorforgets or simply chooses not to launch the DriveMode application priorto driving the vehicle when the application is in manual mode then theapplication will not launch. Second, in automatic on/off mode AT&T's useof only the GPS sensor to determine when a smartphone is in a movingvehicle is problematic for a number of reasons. First, the speedthreshold of the application is arbitrary, meaning that drive mode willnot be detected/engaged at less than 25 mph. If the vehicle is stoppedin traffic or at a traffic signal, for example, then the DriveModeapplication may inadvertently terminate. Second, and perhaps moreimportantly, AT&T's DriveMode application requires that the smartphone'sGPS functionality be turned on at all times. Because the use of asmartphone's GOS sensor is extremely demanding to the battery resourcesof a smartphone, this requirement severely undermines the usefulness ofAT&T's application. Thirdly this method does not differentiate betweenthe type of vehicle that the phone is in, e.g. a bus, a taxi or a trainand therefore allows no correlation between the owner of the phone andher driving situation. For the classic embedded telematics devices to bereplaces by smartphones it is important to correlate the driver andsmartphone owner with her specific location within a vehicle. Only thenthe smartphone can truly take the functional role of an embeddedtelematics device in a vehicle.

However, given that interactions with a smartphone while operating avehicle are at least problematic and prohibited in a variety of states,it is considered unsafe to allow interactions with a phone in a vehiclefor the driver. The situation is entirely different for passengers.Passengers should not be constrained in their smartphone usage whilebeing in a vehicle. Accordingly, for at least the foregoing reasonsthere exists a need to provide an improved method and apparatus ofdetermining the specific location of a smartphone. Such a technology istoday not commercially available.

SUMMARY

The present invention provides an improved method and apparatus ofdetermining the specific location of a smartphone.

Various embodiments described herein are drawn to a device for use witha database having stored therein, a plurality of signaturescorresponding to a plurality of fields, respectively, wherein theplurality of fields correspond to a plurality of locations,respectively. The device includes an accessing component, afield-detecting component, a comparing component and an identifyingcomponent. The accessing component can access one of the plurality ofsignatures from the database. The field-detecting component can detect afirst field based on a first location and can generate a detected fieldsignature based on the detected first field. The comparing component cangenerate a comparison signal based on a comparison of the detected fieldsignature and one of the plurality of signatures. The identifyingcomponent can identify the first location based on the comparisonsignal.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part ofthe specification, illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention and, together with the description, server to explain theprinciples of the invention. In the drawings;

FIGS. 1A-C illustrate the magnetic fields and vibrations associated witha vehicle as detected by a communication device location at threedifferent locations within the vehicle, respectively, in accordance withaspects of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a building;

FIG. 3 illustrates the magnetic fields and sounds associated with aserver room, as detected by a communication device in accordance withaspects of the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates the magnetic fields and sounds associated with aboard room, as detected by a communication device in accordance withaspects of the present invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates and example method of identifying a location inaccordance with aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates an example device for identifying a location inaccordance with aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates an example method of registering a location inaccordance with aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 8 illustrates an example parameter-detecting component inaccordance with aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 9 illustrates an example method of generating a signature inaccordance with aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 10 illustrates an example method of verifying a location inaccordance with aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 11 illustrates another example method of identifying a location inaccordance with aspects of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects of the present invention are drawn to a system and method fordetermining a specific location by utilizing parameters within and/ornear the specific location.

As used herein, the term “smartphone” includes cellular and/or satelliteradiotelephone(s) with or without a display (text/graphical); PersonalCommunications System (PCS) terminal(s) that may combine aradiotelephone with data processing, facsimile and/or datacommunications capabilities; Personal Digital Assistant(s) (PDA) orother devices that can include a radio frequency transceiver and apager, Internet/Intranet access, Web browser, organizer, calendar and/ora global positioning system (GPS) receive; and/or conventional laptop(notebook) and/or palmtop (netbook) computer(s), tablet(s), or otherappliance(s), which include a radio frequency transceiver. As usedherein, the term “smartphone” also includes any other radiating userdevice that may have time-varying or fixed geographic coordinates and/ormay be portable, transportable, installed in a vehicle (aeronautical,maritime, or land-based) and/or situated and/or configured to operatelocally and/or in a distributed fashion over one or more location(s).

In one non-limiting example embodiment, a smartphone is used to measureparameters within a vehicle to identify the user's location within thevehicle. In another non-limiting example embodiment, a smartphone isused to measure parameters within a room in a building to identify theuser's location within the building. These aspects will now be describedin more detail with reference to FIGS. 1A-2B.

As shown in FIG. 1A, a vehicle 102 includes a driver seat 104, a frontpassenger seat 106, a rear passenger search 108 and a rear passengerseat 110. In this example, a person (not shown) is holding, or having inthe immediate vicinity, a communication device 112, e.g., a smartphone,(not shown) in accordance with an aspect of the present invention,wherein the person is sitting in the driver seat 104.

While running, electronic portions of vehicle 102 will generate magneticfields, a sample of which are represented by field lines 114, 116 and118. Further, the engine of vehicle 102 may generate vibrationsrepresented by lines 120 and the tires rolling on the pavement willgenerate vibrations represented by lines 122, 124, 126, and 128.

As shown in FIG. 1B, the person (not shown) is holding or having in theimmediate vicinity, communication device 112, while sitting in passengerseat 106. As shown in FIG. 1C, the person (not shown) is holdingcommunication device 112, while sitting in rear passenger seat 108.

In accordance with aspects of the present invention, communicationdevice 112 may detect parameters within vehicle 102 to determine a moreexact location of communication device 112. In this example embodiment,communication device 112 may detect the magnetic fields and thevibrations to determine the location of the user within vehicle 102. Inaccordance with another aspect of the present invention, this locationdetermination may be used to operate communication device 112 in aparticular mode, e.g., enabling predetermined features or functionsassociated with a specific location and/or disabling other predeterminedfeatures or functions associated with the specific location.

For example, the magnitude or vectors of the fields and vibrations asdetected by communication device 112 when it is located in driver seat104 may be compared with similar fields and vibrations associated withdriver seat 104. Such a similarity in detected parameters may enablecommunication device 112 to determine that it is located near diver seat104.

Further, the magnitude or vectors of the fields and vibrations asdetected by communication device 112 when it is located in driver seat104 as shown in FIG. 1A, may be distinguished from the magnitude orvectors of the fields and vibrations detected by communication device112 when it is located in passenger seat 106 as shown in FIG. 1B, whichmay additionally be distinguished from the magnitude or vectors of thefields and vibrations detected by communication device 112 when it islocated in rear passenger seat 108 as shown in FIG. 1C.

When it is determined that communication device 112 is located in driverseat 104, certain features may be enabled/disabled/modified, e.g.,hands-free talking may be enabled and texting may be disabled to preventdrivers from being distracted. Similarly, when it is determined thatcommunication device 112 is located in passenger seat 104, certainfeatures may be enabled/disabled/modified, e.g., texting may be enabled.

This in-vehicle location determination may be particularly useful in thecontext of public transportation. For example, some conventionalcommunications devices may determine whether they are in a vehicle andthen operate in a vehicle mode, wherein certain features or functionsare enabled/disabled/modified to prevent a driver of the vehicle frombeing distracted. However, such automatic mode switching may be anannoyance when the user is merely a passenger on a train or a publicbus. In accordance with aspects of the present invention, acommunication device may more precisely determine whether the user is adriver of a vehicle, or merely a passenger. As such, a communicationdevice in accordance with the present invention will prevent situationswhere it operates in a vehicle mode when the user is not a drive of thevehicle.

The in-vehicle location determination discussed above with reference toFIG. 1A-C is but one example implementation in accordance with aspectsof the present invention. Another non-liming example implementationincludes determining a specific location within a building, which willnow be further described with reference to FIGS. 2-4 .

As shown in FIG. 2 , a building 200 includes a computer server room 202and a board room 204.

FIG. 3 is a view of a computer server room 202, which includes server302, server 304 and server 206. A person 308 in computer server room 202is carrying a communication device 310, in accordance with aspects ofthe present invention. Server 302 generates magnetic fields 312, server304 generates magnetic fields 314, and server 306 generates magneticfields 316. Server 302 generates sound as represented by field lines318, server 304 generate sounds as represented by field lines 320 andserver 306 sound as represented by field lines 322.

FIG. 4 is a view of a board room 204. Person 308 in board room 204 iscarrying communication device 310. Much fewer electronic devices (notshown) in board room 204 generate magnetic fields 402. Further, soundswithin board room 204 are much less, as compared to computer server room202, as represented by field lines 404.

In this example embodiment, communication device 310 may detect themagnetic fields and the sounds to determine that the location of person308 within building 200. In accordance with another aspect of thepresent invention, this location determination may be used to operatecommunication device 310 in a particular mode, e.g., enablingpredetermined features or functions associated with a specific locationand/or disabling other predetermined features or functions associatedwith the specific location.

For example, the magnitude or vectors of the fields and sounds asdetected by communication device 310 when it is located computer serverroom 202 may be compared with similar fields and sounds associated withcomputer server room 202. Such a similarity in detected parameters mayenable communication device 310 to determine that it is located incomputer server room 202.

Further, the magnitude or vectors of the fields and sounds as detectedby communication device 310 when it is located in computer server room202 as shown in FIG. 3 , may be distinguished from the magnitude orvectors of the fields and sounds detected by communication device 310when it is located in board room 204 as shown in FIG. 4 .

When it is determined that communication device 310 is located incomputer server room 202, certain features may beenabled/disabled/modified, e.g., ring volume may be increased so person308 can hear a ring over the sound of computer servers 302, 304 and 306.Similarly, when it is determined that communication device 310 islocated in board room 204, certain features may beenabled/disabled/modified, e.g., ring volume may be decreased so as notto disrupt a meeting with board room 204.

A more detailed discussion of example working embodiment will now bediscussed with additional reference to FIGS. 5-11 .

FIG. 5 illustrates an example method 500 of identifying a location inaccordance with aspects of the present invention.

Method 500 starts (S502) and a location is registered (S504). Forexample, returning to FIG. 1A, if a person would like to be able toidentify the position of driver seat 104 within vehicle 102, theposition of driver seat 104 would be registered based on detectableparameters associated with driver seat 104. Similarly, returning to FIG.1B, if a person would like to be able to identify the position ofpassenger seat 106 within vehicle 102, the position of passenger seat106 would be registered based on detectable parameters associate withpassenger seat 106. In another example, returning to FIGS. 2-3 , if aperson would like to be able to identify the location of computer serverroom 202, within building 200, the location of computer server room 202would be registered based on detectable parameters associate withcomputer server room 202. Similarly, returning to FIGS. 2 and 4 , if aperson would like to be able to identify location of board room 204within building 202, the location of board room 204 would be registeredbased on detectable parameters associate with board room 202. A moredetailed discussion of registration will now be provided with additionalreference to FIGS. 6-11 .

FIG. 6 illustrates an example device 602 for identifying a location inaccordance with aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 6 includes a device 602, a database 604, a field 606 and a network608. In this example embodiment, device 602 and database 604 aredistinct elements. However, in some embodiments, device 602 and database604 may be a unitary device as indicated by doted line 610.

Device 602 includes a field-detecting component 612, and input component614, an accessing component 616, a comparing component 618, anidentifying component 620, a parameter-detecting component 622, acommunication component 624, a verification component 626 and acontrolling component 628.

In this example, field-detecting component 612, input component 614,accessing component 616, comparing component 618, identifying component620, parameter-detecting component 622, communication component 624,verification component 626 and controlling component 628 are illustratedas individual devices. However, in some embodiments, at least two offield-detecting component 612, input component 614, accessing component616, comparing component 618, identifying component 620,parameter-detecting component 622, communication component 624,verification component 626 and controlling component 628 may be combinedas a unitary device. Further, in some embodiments, at least one offield-detecting component 612, input component 614, accessing component616, comparing component 618, identifying component 620,parameter-detecting component 622, communication component 624,verification component 626 and controlling component 628 may beimplemented as a computer having tangible computer-readable media forcarrying or having computer-executable instructions or data structuresstored thereon. Such tangible computer-readable media can be anyavailable media that can be accessed by a general purpose or specialpurpose computer. Non-limiting examples of tangible computer-readablemedia include physical storage and/or memory media such as RAM, ROM,EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage orother magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used tocarry or store desired program code means in the form ofcomputer-executable instructions or data structures and which can beaccessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer. Forinformation transferred or provided over a network or anothercommunications connection (either hardwired, wireless, or a combinationof hardwired or wireless) to a computer, the computer may properly viewthe connection as a computer-readable medium. Thus, any such connectionmay be properly termed a computer-readable medium. Combinations of theabove should also be included within the scope of computer-readablemedia.

Controlling component 628 is arranged to communicate with: fielddetecting component 612 via a communication line 630; input component614 via a communication line 632; accessing component 616 via acommunication line 634; comparing component 618 via a communication line636; identifying component 620 via a communication line 638;parameter-detecting component 622 via a communication line 640;communication component 624 via a communication line 642; andverification component 626 via a communication line 644. Controllingcomponent 628 is operable to control each of field-detecting component612, input component 614, accessing component 616, comparing component618, identifying component 620, parameter-detecting component 622,communication component 624 and verification component 626.

Field-detecting component 612 is additionally arranged to detect field606, to communicate with input component 614 via a communication line646, to communicate with comparing component 618 via a communicationline 648 and to communicate with parameter-detecting component 622 via acommunication line 645. Field-detecting component 612 may be any knowndevice or system that is operable to detect a field; non-limitingexamples of which include an electric field, a magnetic field, andelectro-magnetic field and combinations thereof. In some non-limitingexample embodiments, field-detecting component 612 may detect theamplitude of a field at an instant of time. In some non-limiting exampleembodiments, field-detecting component 612 may detect a field vector atan instant of time. In some non-limiting example embodiments,field-detecting component 612 may detect a change in the amplitude of afield as a function over a period of time. In some non-limiting exampleembodiments, field-detecting component 612 may detect a change in afield vector as a function over a period of time. Filed-detectingcomponent 612 may output a signal based on the detected field.

Input component 614 is additionally arranged to communicate withdatabase 604 via a communication line 650 and to communicate withverification component 626 via a communication line 652. Input component614 may be any known device or system that is operable to input datainto database 604. Non-limiting examples of input component 614 includea graphic user interface (GUI) having a user interactive touch screen orkeypad.

Accessing component 616 is additionally arranged to communicate withdatabase 604 via a communication line 654 and to communicate withcomparing component 618 via a communication line 656. Accessingcomponent 616 may be any known device or system that access data fromdatabase 604.

Comparing component 618 is additionally arranged to communicate withidentifying component 620 via a communication line 658. Comparingcomponent 618 may be any known device or system that is operable tocompare two inputs.

Parameter-detecting component 622 is additionally arranged tocommunicate with identifying component 622 via a communication line 660.Parameter-detecting component 622 may be any known device or system thatis operable to detect a parameter, non-limiting examples of whichinclude velocity, acceleration, angular velocity, angular acceleration,geodetic position, light, sound, temperature, vibrations, pressure,biometrics, contents of surrounding atmosphere and combinations thereof.In some non-limiting example embodiments, parameter-detecting component622 may detect the amplitude of a parameter at an instant of time. Insome non-limiting example embodiments, parameter-detecting component 622may detect a parameter vector at an instant of time. In somenon-limiting example embodiments, parameter-detecting component 622 maydetect the amplitude of a parameter as a function over a period of time.In some non-limiting example embodiments, parameter-detecting component622 may detect a parameter vector as a function over a period of time.In some non-limiting example embodiments, parameter-detecting component622 may detect a change in the amplitude of a parameter as a functionover a period of time. In some non-limiting example embodiments,parameter-detecting component 622 may detect a change in a parametervector as a function over a period of time.

Communication component 624 is additionally arranged to communicate withnetwork 608 via a communication line 662. Communication component 624may be any known device or system that is operable to communication withnetwork 608. Non-limiting examples of communication component include awired and a wireless transmitter/receiver.

Verification component 626 may be any known device or system that isoperable to provide a request for verification. Non-limiting examples ofverification component 626 include a graphic user interface having auser interactive touch screen or keypad.

Communication lines 630, 632, 634, 636, 638, 640, 642, 644, 645, 646,648, 650, 652, 654, 656, 658, 660 and 662 may be any known wired orwireless communication line.

Database 604 may be any known device or system that is operable toreceive, store, organize and provide (upon a request) data, wherein the“database” refers to the data itself and supporting data structures.Non-limiting examples of database 604 include a memory hard-drive and asemiconductor memory.

Network 608 may be any known linkage of two or more communicationdevices. Non-limiting examples of database 608 include a wide-areanetwork, a local-area network and the Internet.

For purposes of discussion, consider the following example where aperson is registering the position of a driver seat 104 within vehicle102. This example will now be described with additional reference toFIG. 7 .

FIG. 7 illustrates an example method 700 of registering a location inaccordance with aspects of the present invention.

Method 700 starts (S702) and a parameter is detected (S704). Forexample, returning to FIG. 6 , field-detecting component 612 detectsfield 606. For purposes of discussion, let field 606 be a magnetic fieldcorresponding to the superposition of magnetic fields generated by allelectronic and mechanical systems involved with the running vehicle,e.g., magnetic fields 114, 116 and 118 as shown in FIG. 1A.

In one example embodiment, returning to FIG. 6 , parameter-detectingcomponent 622 In some non-limiting example embodiments,parameter-detecting component 622 detects light or a change in light.For purposes of discussion, let the light be within server room 202. Insome example embodiments, the light may actually be modulated in anyknown manner, non-limiting examples of which include amplitudemodulation, pulse width modulation, pulse number modulation, frequencymodulation, polarization modulation and combinations thereof. In someexample embodiments, the modulated light provides parameter-detectingcomponent 622 with information that identifies server rom 202 inaccordance with known communication networks using visible lightillumination. For example, the light may be pulse code modulated with asignal that identifies server room 202. As such, at any time device 602is located in server room 202 such that parameter-detecting component622 receives such modulated light, device 602 will identify the locationas server room 202.

Returning to FIG. 7 , after the first parameter is detected (S704) it isdetermined whether more parameters are to be detected (S706). Forexample, returning to FIG. 6 , controlling component 628 may instruct atleast one of field-detecting component 612 and parameter-detectingcomponent 622 to detect another parameter.

A magnetic field may be a relatively distinct parameter that may be usedto determine whether device 602 is in a specific location. However,there may be situations that elicit a false positive—e.g., a magneticfield that erroneously indicates that device 602 is in a passenger seatof a vehicle is actually associated with the operation of a vendingmachine that is not in the vehicle. As such, in order to reduce theprobability of a false positive indication that device 602 is in aspecific location, a second parameter associated with the location maybe used. Along this notion, it is an example aspect of the invention todetect a plurality of parameters associate with the location to includesthe probability of a correct identification of the location.

In some embodiments, device 602 has a predetermined number of parametersto detect, wherein controlling component 628 may control suchdetections. For example, the first parameter to be detected (in S704)may be a magnetic field associated with a running vehicle, whereincontrolling component 628 may instruct field-detecting component 612 todetect a magnetic field. Further, a second parameter to be detected maybe another known detected parameter additionally associated with therunning vehicle, e.g., vibrations in the chassis, wherein controllingcomponent 628 may instruct parameter-detecting component 622 to detectthe second parameter. Further, parameter-detecting component 622 may beable to detect many parameters. This will be described with greaterdetail with reference to FIG. 8 .

FIG. 8 illustrates an example parameter-detecting component 622.

As shown in the figure, parameter-detecting component 622 includes aplurality of detecting components, a sample of which are indicated as afirst detecting component 802, a second detecting component 804, a thirddetecting component 806 and a n-th detecting component 808.Parameter-detecting component 622 additionally includes a controllingcomponent 810.

In this example, detecting component 802, detecting component 804,detecting component 806, detecting component 808 and controllingcomponent 810 are illustrated as individual devices. However, in someembodiments, at least two of detecting component 802, detectingcomponent 804, detecting component 806, detecting component 808 andcontrolling component 810 may be combined as a unitary device. Further,in some embodiments, at least one of detecting component 802, detectingcomponent 804, detecting component 806, detecting component 808 andcontrolling component 810 may be implemented as a computer havingtangible computer-readable media for carrying or havingcomputer-executable instructions or data structures stored thereon.

Controlling component 810 is configured to communicate with: detectingcomponent 802 via a communication line 812; detecting component 804 viaa communication line 814; detecting component 806 via a communicationline 816; and detecting component 808 via a communication line 818.Controlling component 810 is operable to control each of detectingcomponent 802, detecting component 804, detecting component 806 anddetecting component 808. Controlling component 810 is additionallyconfigured to communicate with controlling component 628 of FIG. 6 viacommunication line 640 and to communicate with field-detecting component612 of FIG. 6 via communication line 660.

The detecting components may each be a known detecting component that isable to detect a known parameter. For example each detecting componentmay be a known type of detector that is able to detect at least one ofmagnetic fields in any of three dimensions, electric fields in any ofthree dimensions, electro-magnetic fields in any of three dimensions,velocity in any of three dimensions, acceleration in any of threedimensions, angular velocity in any of three dimensions, angularacceleration in any of three dimensions, geodetic position, soundtemperature, vibrations in any of three dimensions, pressure in any ofthree dimensions, biometrics, contents of surrounding atmosphere, achange in electric fields in any of three dimensions, a change inmagnetic fields in any of three dimensions, a change in electro-magneticfields in any of three dimensions, a change in velocity in any of threedimensions, a change in acceleration in any of three dimensions, achange in angular velocity in any of three dimensions, a change inangular acceleration in any of three dimensions, a change in geodeticposition in any of three dimensions, a change in sound, a change intemperature, a change in vibrations in any of three dimensions, a changein pressure in any of three dimensions, a change in biometrics, a changein contents of surrounding atmosphere and combinations thereof. Forpurposes of discussion, let: detecting component 802 be able to detectdeceleration in three dimensions; detecting component 804 be able todetect sound; detecting component 806 be able to detect vibrations; anddetecting component 808 be able to detect geodetic position.

In some non-limiting example embodiments, at least one of the detectingcomponents of parameter-detecting component 622 may detect a respectiveparameter as an amplitude at an instant of time. In some non-limitingexample embodiments, at least one of the detecting components ofparameter-detecting component 622 may detect a respective parameter as afunction over a period of time.

Each of the detecting components of parameter-detecting component 622 isable to generate a respective detected signal based on the detectedparameter. Each of these detected signals may be provided to controllingcomponent 810 via a respective communication line.

Controlling component 810 is able to be controlled by controllingcomponent 628 via communication line 640.

Consider the example situation where communication device 602 generatesa signature of a driver seat of a vehicle, wherein field detectingcomponent 612 detects a magnetic field associated with the driver seatof the vehicle, and wherein detecting component 806 detects vibrationsassociated vibrations traveling through the chassis of the vehicle. Insuch situations, a signature will be based on two parameters as opposedto just one parameter.

Returning to FIG. 7 , once all the parameters have been detected (S706),a signature is generated (S708).

In some embodiments, for example as shown in FIG. 6 , field-detectingcomponent 612 may generate a signature of the vehicle based on signalsassociated with the detected magnetic fields, and combinations thereof.In some embodiments, field-detecting component 612 may additionallyprocess any of the signals associated with the detected magnetic fieldsand combinations thereof to generate such a signature. Non-limitingexamples of further processes include averaging, adding, subtracting,and transforming any of the signals associated with the detectedmagnetic fields and combinations thereof.

Returning to FIG. 7 , once the signature is generated (S708), thesignature in input into memory (S720). For example, as shown in FIG. 6 ,field-detecting component 612 provides the signature to input component614 via communication line 646.

In an example embodiment, input component 614 includes a GUI thatinforms a user of device 602 that a signature has been generated. Inputcomponent 614 may additionally enable the user to input an associationbetween a location and the generated signature. For example, inputcomponent 614 may display on a GUI a message such as “A signature wasgenerated. To what location is the signature associated?” Inputcomponent 614 may then display an input prompt for the user to input,via the GUI, a location to be associated with the generated signature.

Input component 614 may then provide the signature, and the associationto a specific location, to database 604 via communication line 650.

As discussed above, in some embodiments, database 604 is part of device602, whereas in other embodiments, database 604 is separate from device602. Data input and retrieval from database 604 may be faster whendatabase 604 part of device 602, as opposed to cases where database 604is distinct from device 602. However, size may be a concern whendesigning device 602, particularly when device 602 is intended to be ahandheld device such as a smartphone. As such, device 602 may be muchsmaller when databased 604 is distinct from device 602, as opposed tocases where database 604 is part of device 602.

Consider an example embodiment, where database 604 is part of device602. In such cases, input component 614 may enable a user to inputsignatures and the location for associations, for a predetermined numberof locations. In this manner, database 604 will only be used for device602.

Now consider an example embodiment, where database 604 is separate fromdevice 602. Further, let database 604 be much larger than the case wheredatabase 604 is part of device 602. Still further, let database 604 beaccessible to other devices in accordance with aspects of the presentinvention. In such cases, input component 614 may enable a user to inputsignatures and the location associations, for a much largerpredetermined number of locations. Further, in such cases, inputcomponent 614 may enable other users of similar devices to inputsignatures and the location associations, for even more locations.

An example embodiment may use the differentiating magnetic fieldproperties between different vehicle types and makes to identify thedifferent vehicle types and makes. Today's vehicles are fully equippedwith electronic and mechanical actuators and switches, enginesubsystems. All these subsystems are generating their ownelectromagnetic and magnetic fields and therefore will alter the overallthree-dimensional properties and field strength fluctuations of thevehicle interior. Particular the running of a vehicle generates acharacteristic magnetic flux for every vehicle. Aspects of the presentinvention include a storing these field properties associate withdifferent seat locations within the vehicle as signatures withindatabase 604 through measurements in the near field within the vehicleinterior for a reference group of make and models. As such, any user ofa device may be able to identify a registered vehicle within database604. Thus, through previously stored signatures and additionalmeasurements, the present invention enables a library of vehicularseating position electromagnetic signatures. This library may beaugmented with additional measurements describing the electromagneticsignatures of different seating position within different vehicles. Thiswill be described in greater detail later with reference to FIG. 13 .

At this point, method 700 stops (S712).

In the examples discussed above with respect to FIGS. 6-8 ,field-detecting component 612 is detecting magnetic fields as fieldvectors as functions over a period of time. The detected signalsillustrated in FIGS. 6-8 are easily distinguishable from one another.Accordingly, the vehicles associated therewith, respectively, mayadditionally be easily distinguishable from one another.

Returning to FIG. 7 , method 700 may involve the detection of additionalparameters to associate with a location. Specifically, additionalaspects of the present invention are drawn to a system and method fordetermining a specific location by utilizing: 1) field properties withinand/or near the specific location; and 2) additionally detectedparameters. In one non-limiting example embodiment, a smartphone is usedto measure a magnetic field associated with a specific seating positionwithin vehicle, and to measure vibrations associated with the specificseating position within the vehicle.

For example, returning to FIG. 6 , parameter-detecting component 622 maybe used to detect another parameter for use in detecting a specificseating position within a vehicle. For purposes of discussion, considerthe example where a person is registering the driver seat positionwithin their vehicle, wherein parameter-detecting component 622 measuresvibrations of the vehicle. In this example, the detected magneticsignals as measured by the driver seat position are easilydistinguishable from magnetic signals as measured from the passengerseat. However, in situations where the magnetic field signatures may besomewhat similar, it may be more difficult for a device in accordancewith aspects of the present invention to distinguish positions within avehicle—solely on the detected magnetic (or electric orelectro-magnetic) fields. As such, the use of further distinguishingwith at least a second detected parameter may help distinguish thepositions within the vehicle.

In an example embodiment, field-detecting component 612 may detectmagnetic field vectors as measured at the location of driver seat 104 ofvehicle 102, for example as discussed above with reference to FIG. 1A,whereas parameter-detecting component 622 may detect vibrationsassociated with the engine and tires of vehicle 102. An overallsignature may be generated based on the signatures generated from eachof field-detecting component 612 and parameter-detecting component 622.

In another embodiment, field-detecting component 612 may detect magneticfield vectors measured at the location of computer server room 202 ofbuilding 200, whereas parameter-detecting component 622 may detectambient noise associated with computer server room 202 of building 200.An overall signature may be generated based on the signatures generatedfrom each of field-detecting component 612 and parameter-detectingcomponent 622.

Returning to FIG. 5 , after the location has been registered (S504), alocation is detected (S506). For example, the next time the person ridesin a vehicle, a device in accordance with aspects of the presentinvention would detect a field associated with the position within thevehicle. Similarly, for example, the next time the person is in aspecific location, such as a room in a building, a device in accordancewith aspects of the present invention would detect a field associatedwith the location. A more detailed discussion of registration will nowbe provided with additional reference to FIG. 9 .

FIG. 9 illustrates an example method 900 of detecting a location inaccordance with aspects of the present invention.

Method 900 starts (S902) and a parameter is detected (S904). This is thesame as the field being detected (S504) as discussed above withreference to method 500. For example, returning to FIG. 6 ,field-detecting component 612 detects a new field. For purposes ofdiscussion, let the new field be a magnetic field corresponding to thesuperposition of magnetic fields generated by all electronic andmechanical systems as detected at the location of driver seat 104.

Returning to FIG. 9 , after the first parameter is detected (S904) it isdetermined whether more parameters are to be detected (S906). This issimilar to method 700 (S706) of FIG. 7 .

Returning to FIG. 9 , once all the parameters have been detected (S906),a signature is generated (S908). This is similar to the signature beinggenerated (S504) as discussed above with reference to method 500. Insome embodiments, for example as shown in FIG. 6 , field-detectingcomponent 612 may generate a signature of the vehicle based on any ofthe signals associated with the detected magnetic fields. In someembodiments, field-detecting component 612 may additionally process anyof the signals associated with the detected magnetic fields to generatesuch a signature. Non-limiting examples of further processes includeaveraging, adding, subtracting, and transforming and combinationsthereof, of any of the signals associated with the detected magneticfields.

The second signature is provided to comparing component 618 viacommunication line 648.

At this point, method 900 stops (S910).

Returning to FIG. 5 , after the location as been detected (S506), it isverified (S508). For example, a device in accordance with aspects of thepresent invention would determine whether the newly detected location isthe location within the vehicle that was previously registered.Similarly, a device in accordance with aspects of the present inventionwould determine whether the newly detected location is the locationwithin the building that was previously registered. A more detaileddiscussion of registration will now be provided with additionalreference to FIG. 10 .

FIG. 10 illustrates an example method 1000 of verifying a location inaccordance with aspects of the present invention.

Method 1000 starts (S1002) and the previously stored signature isaccessed (S1004). For example, as shown in FIG. 6 , access component 616retrieves the previously-stored signature from database 604 viacommunication line 654. Access component 616 then provides theretrieved, previously-stored signature to comparator 618 viacommunication line 656.

Returning to FIG. 10 , now that the previously stored signature has beenaccessed (S1004), the signatures are compared (S1006). Foe example, asshown in FIG. 6 , comparator 618 compares the retrieved, previouslystored signature as provided by access component 616 with the newlygenerated signature as provided by field-detecting component 612.

Returning to FIG. 10 , now that the signatures have been compared(S1006), the location may be identified (S1008). For example, as shownin FIG. 6 , comparator 618 provides an output to identifying component620 via communication line 658. If the retrieved, previously storedsignature as provided by access component 616 matches the newlygenerated signature as provided by field-detecting component 612, thenthe newly detected location is the same location that was previouslyregistered. In such a case, identifying component 620 may indicate thatthe newly detected location is the same location that was previouslyregistered. If the retrieved, previously stored signature as provided byaccess component 616 does not match the newly generated signature asprovided by field-detecting component 612, then the newly detectedlocation is not the same location that was previously registered. Insuch a case, identifying component 620 may indicate that the newlydetected location is not the same location that was previouslyregistered.

At this point, method 1000 stops (S1010).

In another example embodiment, returning to FIG. 5 , a new location maybe detected and verified (S506 and S508) in a manner discussed in U.S.application Ser. No. 14/095,156 filed Dec. 3, 2013. In particular, thelocation may be identified based on a location probability, whereinvariations between the newly generated signature and thepreviously-stored signature will decrease the generated locationprobability, thus decreasing the likelihood that the newly-detectedlocation is not the same location that was previously registered. Insuch a case, identifying component 620 may indicate that the newlydetected location is not the same location that was previouslyregistered.

Returning to FIG. 5 , after the location has been verified, the data isupdated (S510). For example, in some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 6 ,comparator 618 may determine that that previously stored signature asprovided by access component 616 does not exactly match the newlygenerated signature as provided by field-detecting component 612, butthe difference between the previously stored signature as provided byaccess component 616 does not exactly match the newly generatedsignature as provided by field-detecting component 612 is within apredetermined acceptable limit. In such cases, identifying component 620may indicate that the newly detected location is still the same locationthat was previously registered. Further, comparator 618 may provide thenewly generated signature as provided by field-detecting component 612to access component 616 via communication line 656. Access component 616may then provide the newly generated signature to database 604 viacommunication line 654.

In this manner, database 604 may be “taught” to accept variations ofpreviously registered signatures. In some embodiments, an average ofrecognized signatures may be stored for future use. In some embodiments,a plurality of each recognized signature may be stored for future use.

In some embodiments, a difference between a newly-generated signatureand a previously-stored signature may be used for vehicle diagnostics.In general, the operation of a vehicle may cause changes to parts and/orsystems of the vehicle over time, as a result of wear and tear on theparts and/or systems of vehicle. These changes may manifest as changesin parameters detected by field-detecting component 612 orparameter-detecting component 622, which will manifest as changes ingenerated signatures. These changes in the generated signatures may beused as an early warning system of potential problems of the vehicle.The user may then take steps for preventive maintenance for the vehicle.

In particular, consider the situation where a newly generated signaturediffers somewhat from a previously stored signature. However, in thissituation, the difference is within a predetermined threshold. In someembodiments, device 602 may request verification from the user that thelocation is actually the identified location. For example, a differencein a detected signature may be based on vibrations resulting from amisaligned tire that resulted from running over a pothole. In such acase, the GUI of input component 614 may prompt the user with astatement such as, “Are you in a passenger seat of your vehicle?” If theuser positively responds, then the device may further GUI of inputcomponent 614 may prompt the user to take steps for preventativemaintenance for the vehicle with a statement such as, “You may want tohave your alignment checked.” Of course this is a non-limiting anon-limiting example used to illustrate the preventative maintenanceaspect of the present invention. In other non-limiting examples, device602 may indicate suggestions for preventative associated with otherlocations.

Returning to FIG. 5 , after updating (S510) device 602 waits to detect anew field (S506).

In theory, there may be situations in which a communication device mayerroneously indicate that it is located at a specific location, i.e.,provide a false positive identification of a specific location.Specifically, in theory, it is possible that a detected field anddetected additional parameters associated with a specific room in abuilding may render a signature that matches a signature associated witha driver seat of a particular vehicle. As such, in theory, it ispossible that a communication device may erroneously switch to a modefor use in a wrong location. Another aspect of the invention addressessuch situations, thus reducing the likelihood of false positiveidentifications. This will now be described in greater detail withreference to FIG. 11 .

FIG. 11 illustrates an example method 1100 of identifying a location inaccordance with aspects of the present invention.

Method 1100 is similar to method 500 discussed above with reference toFIG. 5 . However, in method 1100, it is first determined whether thecommunication device is in a vehicle before detecting parameters foridentification. By first narrowing classification of the detectedparameters to those in a vehicle and those not in a vehicle, the numberof false positive identifications is greatly reduced.

Method 1100 starts (S502) and a location is registered (S504). This issimilar to that discussed above with reference to method 500 of FIG. 5 .

Returning to FIG. 11 , after the location has been registered (S504), itis determined whether the communication device is in a vehicle (S1102).For example, returning to FIGS. 1A-C, device 112 may determine that itis in vehicle 102 by any known method, non-limiting examples of whichinclude detecting parameters and comparing the detected parameters withthose associated with vehicle 102. Non-limiting examples of knownparameters include magnetic fields in any of three dimensions, electricfields in any of three dimensions, electro-magnetic fields in any ofthree dimensions, velocity in any of three dimensions, acceleration inany of three dimensions, angular velocity in any of three dimensions,angular acceleration in any of three dimensions, geodetic position,light, sound, temperature, vibrations in any of three dimensions,pressure in any of three dimensions, biometrics, contents of surroundsatmosphere, a change in electric fields in any of three dimensions, achange in magnetic fields in any of three dimensions, a change inelectro-magnetic fields in any of three dimensions, a change in velocityin any of three dimensions, a change in acceleration in any of threedimensions, a change in angular velocity in any of three dimensions, achange in angular acceleration in any of three dimensions, a change ingeodetic position in any of three dimensions, a change in light, achange in sound, a change in temperature, a change in vibrations in anyof three dimensions, a change in pressure in any of three dimensions, achange in biometrics, a change in contents of surrounds atmosphere andcombinations thereof.

In an example embodiment, device 112 determines whether it is in avehicle as described in copending U.S. application Ser. No. 14/105,744filed Dec. 13, 2013. For example, device 112 may detect at least one ofmany parameters. As shown in FIG. 6 , database 604 may have storedtherein known parameter values that are indicative of being in avehicle. Comparing component 618 may compare signals based on thedetected parameters with a previously stored signature corresponding toa vehicle in a database 604. Identifying component 620 may generate anin-vehicle signal indicating that device is in a vehicle based on thecomparison by comparing component 618.

Returning to FIG. 11 , if it is determined that the communication deviceis located within a vehicle (Y at S1102), a location is detected(S1104). This is similar to that discussed above with reference tomethod 500 (S506) discussed above with reference to FIGS. 5 and 9 .

Returning to FIG. 11 , after the location has been detected (S1104), itis verified (S1106). This is similar to that discussed above withreference to method 500 (S508) discussed above with reference to FIGS. 5and 10 . However, in this case, the previously stored signature that isaccessed (S1004), is limited to signatures associated with being in avehicle. This will reduce the likelihood of false positive in-vehiclelocation identifications because no signatures associated with locationsoutside of the vehicle will be used.

In another embodiment, returning to FIG. 11 , a new location may bedetected and verified (S1104 and S1106) in a manner discussed in U.S.application Ser. No. 14/095,156 filed Dec. 3, 2013. In particular, thelocation may be identified based on a location probability, whereinvariations between the newly generated signature and thepreviously-stored signature will decrease the generate locationprobability, thus decreasing the likelihood that the newly-detectedlocation is the same as the previously-detected location. Any knownmethod of comparing two signatures to generate such a probability may beused.

Returning to FIG. 11 , after the location has been verified (S1106), thedata is updated (S1108). This is similar to that discussed above withreference to method 500 (S510) discussed above with reference to FIG. 5.

Again, as discussed above with reference to FIG. 5 , in someembodiments, a difference between a newly-generated signature and apreviously-stored signature may be used for vehicle diagnostics.

Returning to FIG. 11 , device 602 again determines whether it is locatedin a vehicle (S1102).

Returning to FIG. 11 , if it is determined that the communication deviceis not located within a vehicle (N at S1102), a location is detected(S1110). This is similar to that discussed above with reference tomethod 500 (S506) discussed above with reference to FIGS. 5 and 9 .

Returning to FIG. 11 , after the location has been detected (S1110), itis verified (S1112). This is similar to that discussed above withreference to method 500 (S508) discussed above with reference to FIGS. 5and 10 . However, in this case, the previously stored signature that isaccessed (S1004), excludes signatures associated with being in avehicle. This will reduce the likelihood of false positive non-vehicularrelated location identifications because no signatures associated withlocations inside the vehicle will be used.

In another example embodiment, returning to FIG. 11 , a new location maybe detected and verified (S1110 and S1112) in a manner discussed in U.S.application Ser. No. 14/095,156 filed Dec. 3, 2013. In particular, thelocation may be identified based on a location probability, whereinvariations between the newly generated signature and thepreviously-stored signature will decrease the generated probability,thus decreasing the likelihood that the newly-detected location is thesame as the previously-detected location. Any known method of comparingtwo signatures to generate such a probability may be used.

Returning to FIG. 11 , after the location has been verified (S1112), thedata is updated (S1114). This is similar to that discussed above withreference to method 500 (S510) discussed above with reference to FIG. 5.

Again, as discussed above with reference to FIG. 5 , in someembodiments, a difference between a newly-generated signature and apreviously-stored signature may be used for diagnostics associated withother locations.

Returning to FIG. 11 , device 602 again determines whether it is locatedin a vehicle (S1102).

The example embodiments discussed above are drawn to identifying, via acommunications device, a specific location using fields and otherparameters associated therewith. Once identified, other functions of thecommunication device may be available. For example, consider thesituation wherein a communication device in accordance with aspects ofthe present invention is embodied in a smartphone. In such an example,once a location (e.g., a position within a vehicle or a specific roomwithin a building) is identified, the smartphone may institute a suiteof applications and turn off other applications. In a specific exampleembodiment, the identification of a vehicle may be used to place asmartphone in a “Vehicle Mode,” wherein the smartphone will operate in aparticular manner because it is determined to be in a vehicle.

In accordance with aspects of the present invention discussed above, thesensors and functionalities of smartphones can be used to supplement oreven replace the known vehicle-based techniques of vehicle telematics.More specifically, smartphone-to-smartphone (when both phones are inVehicle Mode), smartphone-to-infrastructure andinfrastructure-to-smartphone communications (again, when the smartphoneis in Vehicle Mode) can provide drivers with a wide range of telematicsservices and features, while resulting in little or no additional costto the vehicle driver (because she likely already has a smartphone) orthe vehicle manufacturer (because it doesn't have to provide thepurchaser of the vehicle with a smartphone and also doesn't have toembed costly vehicle telematics equipment in the vehicle). To be able todo so, however, the smartphone again has to be able to “know” that it isin Vehicle Mode and be able to determine in what vehicle it is. Ideallyfor various applications it is necessary to be able to determine if thesmartphone is in the vehicle that is owned by the smartphone user.Aspects of the present invention enable a smartphone to know that it isin Vehicle Mode based on detected magnetic, electric, magneto-electricfields and combinations thereof.

Further in accordance with the present invention, a smartphone mayutilize its magnetometer function to periodically measure theelectromagnetic levels sensed at the smartphone's current location. Thesmartphone uses its processing capabilities to try to map the periodicelectromagnetic levels sensed by the smartphone with the vehicularelectromagnetic signatures stored in library. If the periodicelectromagnetic levels sensed by the smartphone match any of thespecific vehicle signatures stored in the library, then the processor ofthe smartphone may generate and/or otherwise output a signal indicatingthat the smartphone is located in the specific vehicle, which in turnwill be used by the Vehicle Mode detection metho to trigger certainfunctions.

The Vehicle Mode relevant sensor suite may be monitored at intervalsdepending on detected speed and location, for example, up to severaltimes per second. The magneto metric sensor output may be monitoreddependent on the accelerometer output as this will indicate a movementof the phone either within the vehicle environment or of the vehicleitself.

In the drawings and specification, there have been disclosed embodimentsof the invention and, although specific terms are employed, they areused in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes oflimitation, the scope of the invention being set forth in the followingclaims.

1-20. (canceled)
 21. A computer-implemented method comprising: accessinga first signature from a plurality of signatures stored in a data store,wherein the first signature is associated with a first location;detecting a detected field at a location; generating a detected fieldsignature based on the detected field; generating a comparison signalbased on a comparison of the detected field signature and the firstsignature; determining, based on the comparison signal, a differencebetween the detected field signature and the first signature; providinga request for verification that the location is the first location;receiving a verification based on the request for verification; andbased on the received verification, identifying the first locationassociated with the first signature as the location and updating thedata store based on the difference between the detected field signatureand the first signature.
 22. The computer-implemented method of claim21, and further comprising: determining, based on the comparison signal,that a difference between the detected field signature and the firstsignature is within a predetermined threshold; based on thedetermination, providing a request for verification that the location isthe first location.
 23. The computer-implemented method of claim 21,wherein updating the data store comprises updating the data store toinclude a variation of the first signature.
 24. The computer-implementedmethod of claim 21, and further comprising: detecting the detected fieldas a function over a period of time.
 25. The computer-implemented methodof claim 21, and further comprising: detecting the detected field as amagnetic field; and identifying the location as a driver's positioncorresponding to a vehicle.
 26. The computer-implemented method of claim21, and further comprising: detecting, by a parameter detector, aparameter; generating, by the parameter detector, a parameter signalbased on the detected parameter; and identifying the location based onthe parameter signal.
 27. The computer-implemented method of claim 26,wherein detecting the parameter comprises detecting, as the parameter,at least one of: a geodetic location, a time, a sound, an acceleration,or a velocity.
 28. A device comprising: at least one processor; andmemory storing instructions executable by the at least one processor,wherein the instructions, when executed, cause the device to: access afirst signature from a plurality of signatures stored in a data store,wherein the first signature is associated with a first location; detecta detected field at a device location; generate a detected fieldsignature based on the detected field; generate a comparison signalbased on a comparison of the detected field signature and the firstsignature; determine, based on the comparison signal, that a differencebetween the detected field signature and the first signature is within apredetermined threshold; and based on the determination, update the datastore to include a variation of the first signature based on thedifference between the detected field signature and the first signature.29. The device of claim 28, wherein the detected field comprises a firstdetected field at the device location, the detected field signaturecomprises a first detected field signature, and the instructions, whenexecuted, cause the device to: detect a second detected fieldcorresponding to the device location; generate a second detected fieldsignature based on the second detected field; generate a secondcomparison signal based on a comparison of the second detected fieldsignature and the first signature; and determine, based on the secondcomparison signal, that a difference between the second detected fieldsignature and the first signature is within the predetermined threshold.30. The device of claim 29, wherein the instructions, when executed,cause the device to: based on the determination that the differencebetween the second detected field signature and the first signature iswithin the predetermined threshold, update the data store based on anaverage of the first and second detected field signatures.
 31. Thedevice of claim 28, wherein the instructions, when executed, cause thedevice to: detect the detected field as a function over a period oftime.
 32. The device of claim 28, wherein the instructions, whenexecuted, cause the device to: detect the detected field as a magneticfield; and identify the location as a driver's position corresponding toa vehicle.
 33. The device of claim 28, wherein the instructions, whenexecuted, cause the device to: detect, by a parameter detector, aparameter; generate, by the parameter detector, a parameter signal basedon the detected parameter; and identify the location based on theparameter signal.
 34. The device of claim 33, wherein the instructions,when executed, cause the device to: detect, as the parameter, at leastone of: a geodetic location, a time, a sound, an acceleration, or avelocity.
 35. A device comprising: at least one processor; and memorystoring instructions executable by the at least one processor, whereinthe instructions, when executed, cause the device to: access a datastore that stores a plurality of field signatures corresponding to aplurality of fields, the plurality of fields corresponding to aplurality of locations; obtain an indication of a given field signaturerepresenting a detected field detected by a field-detecting component;generate a user interface that indicates the detected field and includesa location selection user input mechanism; based on detected actuationof the location selection user input mechanism, select a location thatis associated with the given field signature; and store, in the datastore, the given field signature and association data that associatesthe given field signature with the selected location.
 36. The device ofclaim 35, wherein the location selection user input mechanism isconfigured to enable user selection of the location from a predeterminednumber of locations within a vehicle.
 37. The device of claim 35,wherein the instructions, when executed, cause the device to: detect thedetected field as a function over a period of time.
 38. The device ofclaim 35, wherein the instructions, when executed, cause the device to:detect the detected field as a magnetic field; and identify the locationas a driver's position corresponding to a vehicle.
 39. The device ofclaim 35, wherein the instructions, when executed, cause the device to:detect, by a parameter detector, a parameter; generate, by the parameterdetector, a parameter signal based on the detected parameter; andidentify the location based on the parameter signal.
 40. The device ofclaim 39, wherein the instructions, when executed, cause the device to:detect, as the parameter, at least one of: a geodetic location, a time,a sound, an acceleration, or a velocity.